This one’s hard to grasp. Del Monte has decided (probably after lots of focus groups??) to sell individually wrapped bananas. To clarify: they are going to add a layer of plastic wrap to a fruit that comes with its own natural, biodegradable packaging.
According to Del Monte, the clear pouches are said to contain “controlled ripening technology,” that will extend the shelf-life of the fruit by several days. Oh yummy-“controlled ripening technology” sounds delicious. And what exactly is this technology leaching into my banana?
Del Monte’s U.K. managing director James Harvey [told the Fresh Produce Journal] … “Del Monte’s new CRT packaging is designed to provide significant carbon footprint savings by reducing the frequency of deliveries and the amount of waste going to landfill. The packaging is also recyclable.” REALLY? This rationale is BANANAS.
Jon Stewart has added this overly packaged banana to his “Pantry of Shame”. He said Del Monte single-serve bananas are for people who love bananas but hate their biodegradability.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Intro – Pantry of Shame | ||||
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There is another side
Possibly people who would normally grab an overly packaged donut or candy bar will be more apt to buy an over-wrapped banana at a convenience store or gas station? Naaah- I’m not buying this argument. What do you think?
Is this really an environmentally friendly move by Del Monte?
Thanks to my husband, Joel, for religiously watching Jon Stewart and passing along the heads up on the “pantry of shame” and the banana craziness.
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[Photo used under Creative Commons from Jason Gulledge/Flickr]
